Dutch Police arrest dozens of anti-lockdown demonstrators

Dutch police arrested dozens of demonstrators in an anti-lockdown demonstration at The Hague's Central Station on Tuesday.

Shortly before the police intervened, The Hague mayor Johan Remkes had ordered an end to the demonstration, which the police estimated had a turnout of about 200 protesters.

The demonstration was not notified to the municipality of The Hague. When protesters appeared at the end of the morning, Remkes gave permission to demonstrate in a park for safety, provided they kept a social distance of 1.5 meters.

According to the municipality of The Hague, the demonstrators did not stick to the designated location and walked around in other places. That prompted Remkes to halt the protest.

The Netherlands has been under what Prime Minister Mark Rutte dubbed "intelligent lockdown." The government advised residents to stay at home as much as possible, to work from home if possible, and to keep 1.5 meters away from others.

From April 29, children and teenagers got more scope for participating in organized sports activities and play outdoors. Primary schools and childcare will reopen on May 11. Eating and drinking establishments and gyms so far remain closed.

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) on Tuesday announced that 86 people were reported dead from the novel coronavirus since Monday, bringing the death toll to 5,168.

The RIVM added that the caseload grew by 317 to 41,087, while the number of hospitalizations increased by 89 to 11,126.